Italian Essentials Sardinian Pizza Sauce Recipes

ITALIAN ESSENTIALS: SARDINIAN PANE CARASAU

Steps:

• 1. PREP/PREPARE
• 2. This recipe will make 8 Pane Carasau, if that is more than you need, just cut the recipe in half.
• 3. You could knead the dough by hand; however, the best way would be with a stand mixer, fitted with a dough hook. In addition, you will need a pizza stone, or a flat baking sheet.
• 4. Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
• 5. Add the sugar to the water, swirl to mix, sprinkle the yeast over the top, then wait about 15 minutes.
• 6. Chef's Note: What we are doing is "proofing" the yeast. After 15 minutes, it should start to look foamy. If it just sits on top of the water and mocks you, your yeast is dead. Give it a proper burial, get some new yeast, and start over.
• 7. Chef's Tip: If you are using instant yeast, you do not have to go through the proofing process, just toss the dry yeast in with the other ingredients and carry on with the recipe.
• 8. While the yeast if proofing, add the all-purpose flour and salt to a stand mixer, fitted with a dough hook, then whisk to combine.
• 9. Add the yeast/sugar water to the mixer and start on low speed.
• 10. Chef's Tip: The actual ratio of liquid to flour is determined by several factors; including the humidity of your kitchen. It is a good idea to have a bit of extra flour and water available, just in case.
• 11. Add a few tablespoons of the bread flour to the mixer and allow them to incorporate before adding more.
• 12. Continue adding flour, a bit at a time, until the dough comes together, and begins climbing the hook.
• 13. At this point remove dough from the bowl of the mixer and knead a few times on a lightly floured surface.
• 14. Add the oil to a bowl, toss in the dough, coat with the oil, and then cover with a tea towel, then place in a non-drafty corner of the kitchen until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
• 15. Chef's Tip: Rise time is determined by the ambient temperature of the surrounding air. The warmer the air, the faster the process.
• 16. Remove the tea towel, punch down the dough, then cover and allow to rise a second time, until doubled in size, about another hour.
• 17. Place a pizza stone, or baking sheet on a rack in the lower position, and preheat the oven to 500f (260c)
• 18. Remove the dough from the bowl, onto a lightly floured surface, and knead for a minute or two.
• 19. Divide into eight equal portions, then take one of the portions, roll into a ball, and lightly press down to flatten it out.
• 20. Use a rolling pin, to flatten it out into a thin disk. Use as much flour as you need to keep it from sticking.
• 21. Chef's Note: Do not try to make the flatbreads "perfectly" round. This is flatbread... it is rustic... have fun.
• 22. To move it, an easy way is to drape it over your rolling pin.
• 23. Chef's Note: I am using a French tapered rolling pin; however, any old rolling pin will do the job.
• 24. This is the tricky part... Getting that thin disk of dough into the oven without burning yourself or tearing the dough. I am using a pizza peel, dusted with a bit of flour. You might use another flat baking sheet, or possibly a really big spatula.
• 25. Add the flatbread to the oven and set a timer for 3 minutes.
• 26. After 3 minutes flip the dough and let it bake another 3 minutes.
• 27. Chef's Note: The dough should have bubbles, and a few brown spots.
• 28. Remove from the oven and repeat the process for the remaining dough balls. 1. Flatten out with a rolling pin. 2. Add to oven for 3 minutes. 3. Flip and bake an additional 3 minutes.
• 29. These flatbreads will store for 5 - 7 days wrapped up in the fridge, or for several months in the freezer.
• 30. When ready to use, brush both sides with a bit of olive oil, and pop them into a 500f (260c) oven for just a quick minute or two.
• 31. PLATE/PRESENT
• 32. Flatbreads can be used in so many ways. My personal favorite is for making Sardinian Pizza; however, other ways include: • Pizza (of course) • Cheese & spinach • Chicken or beef shawarma • Gyros • Cut up and serve with a good dip, like hummus • Serve with some fruit on top And the list goes on and on. Enjoy.
• 33. Keep the faith, and keep cooking.

ITALIAN ESSENTIALS: SARDINIAN PIZZA SAUCE

Steps:

• PREP/PREPARE
• This is a one-pot recipe. Choose a sturdy pot with a lid that will hold all of the ingredients.
• Tomatoes are one of the few items that I do not worry about buying in a can. There are a lot of good canned tomatoes out there. Here are some of my favorites: Carmelina San Marzano Whole Peeled Tomatoes are perfect Italian tomatoes that will help you make authentic Italian recipes. Muir Glen has been ranked consistently as one of the best diced canned tomato brands available in the market today. Sclafani Whole Peeled Tomatoes are made from the best tomatoes grown in the United States. It consists of fresh Jersey tomatoes grown near southern New Jersey.
• Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
• Add 1 tablespoon of oil to a saucepan, over medium heat.
• Add the garlic, and cook until it begins to sizzle, but not brown. About 2 - 3 minutes.
• Add the tomatoes, basil, and fennel seeds, then a pinch or two of salt, and pepper.
• Bring up to a light simmer, and cover. Allow to lightly simmer for 50 minutes.
• Chef's Note: As it is simmering, check for proper seasoning.
• After 50 minutes, add the parmesan cheese, and stir until incorporated, about 1 - 2 minutes.
• Remove from heat and keep warm, until needed.
• Chef's Note: This sauce will last 4 - 6 days in the fridge, and several months, if frozen.
• PLATE/PRESENT
• Use to make a yummy pizza, or any Italian recipes that calls for a good tomato sauce. Enjoy.
• Keep the faith, and keep cooking.